In plain
English, the manager you choose can make or break your music
career. It's one of the moat important business choices you'll
ever make and one of the most crucial relationships you'll ever
need to develop. Good solid interaction, cooperation between
artist and manager is absolutely necessary—but the real key is
respect. Choose a manager you can respect and rely upon and one
who will respect your needs, talent, and aspirations.

A manager's job is to help an artist develop his or her full
talent and business potential. After all, music is a business. A
good manager is qualified to render sound advice and guidance and
is experienced in all phases of the industry including publishing,
bookings, contracts, negotiations and the execution of all types
of agreements in the best interest of the client. And if you have
star quality, a sharp manager will sense it right away and, very
importantly, know exactly what to do to get you moving.

What A Manager Does
A personal manager, as opposed to a business manager, is going to
end up knowing you inside and out. That's what it takes. A
business manager can deal in numbers, even legal-speak ... and you
don't even have to see the person that often. But, a personal
manager's going to deal in your head and soul and is going to be
right there like your shadow. The personal manager should be
qualified to give an artist advice and counsel in such areas as:

· Selection of the best music, lyrics and other professional
decisions.
· Selection of attorneys, accountants, business manager, booking
agent and all peripheral business services.
· Selection of the' right record companies to pursue and the
right contacts to explore.
· All matters pertaining to promotion and advertising,, publicity
and public relations.
· Good judgment in types of employment that best suit a client's
talent, capabilities and aspirations.

A manager's responsibility is to improve the career of an artist.
Period. A first class manager will put together a plan and a team
of workers… that may include a road manager, publicist,
accountant, business manager, producer, and booking agent, all of
whom have been checked out and show evidence of working well
together for the client's benefit.

What To Look For In A Manager

When looking for a manager, the number one priority is integrity.
Research. Call for references. Learn all you can about that person
who'll be responsible for your future. Don't settle for anyone
less than someone who:
· Is honest
· Believes in the artist's talent
· Can communicate well verbally and on paper. Works well with
people.
· Has staying power to stick with an artist all the way.

How To Find A Manager

One of the simplest ways. to find a manager is to look at the
inside cover of your favorite artists’ CD or tape for their
manager contact information. Also smart, is networking at music
conferences like the Cutting edge, BRE, sxsw, and CMJ. There are
also local and national directories that list managers - the
Source Book is one of the best. Always have a current press kit or
promotional package ready to send. And, try the Internet - a great
way to get the attention of a manager or record company. You can
put your promo kit on the web site with sound bites of your music.
Managers usually make from 10% to 25% of the artist/band gross
compensation.

Most lawyers advise that your manager and record company not be
one and the same. However, rules in the music industry are very
elastic. For example, if you're 'bout it' you could be like rap
star Master P who is artist, manager, president and owner of one
of the most successful record labels in the world. It's what works
for you.

Nathaniel Franklin is an experienced manager and producer. He has
worked with such artists as Freak Nasty, All Natural,, Jesse
Johnson, Kane & Abel, Marcus, SOULJA, Rude Da Real, Babee Boyy,
House Man, Scandalous and Ghinn.